Which airlines fly into Beirut and what are their carry-on rules?

Middle East Airlines (MEA) allows one cabin bag up to 8 kg plus a personal item. Royal Jordanian permits 7 kg in the cabin. Turkish Airlines allows 8 kg in Economy. Air Arabia and flydubai enforce stricter limits of around 7 kg and 50×40×20 cm — check your fare class before packing.

Do I need to dress conservatively in Beirut?

Beirut is one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world — casual Western clothing is perfectly normal in most areas. However, dress modestly when visiting mosques or the southern suburb of Dahieh. Cover shoulders and knees for any religious site visits.

Should I bring cash to Beirut?

Yes. Carry US dollars in small denominations — USD is widely accepted alongside Lebanese pounds. Card acceptance has improved but cash remains king at restaurants, taxis, and markets. ATMs can be unreliable, so arrive with enough dollars for the first few days.

What power adapter do I need for Lebanon?

Lebanon primarily uses Type C and Type D sockets at 220V. A universal EU-style Type C adapter works in most places. Some older buildings have mixed socket types, so a multi-adapter is useful.

Carry-On Packing for Beirut: What to Bring

Beirut sits on a Mediterranean peninsula backed by the Mount Lebanon range — a city that compresses centuries of history, world-class cuisine, and stubborn resilience into a remarkably compact space. Flying in through Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), just south of the city, you land at a hub served by Middle East Airlines (MEA), Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Pegasus. Most routes are short-to-medium haul, making a well-packed carry-on genuinely practical.

Before booking, check your government's current travel advisory for Lebanon. The country has navigated significant challenges in recent years — including the devastating 2020 port explosion and an ongoing economic crisis — but Beirut continues to attract travelers drawn to its food, nightlife, architecture, and Mediterranean coastline. Many visitors find the city surprisingly vibrant once they're on the ground.

Airport and Getting In

BEY is a single-terminal airport with a straightforward layout. Arrivals move quickly; immigration lines can build up on busy Friday and Sunday evening flights when the Lebanese diaspora travels home for weekends. Budget 45–60 minutes to reach the city by taxi — negotiate the fare before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app. There is no metro or rail link.

Climate and Seasons

Beirut has a classic Mediterranean climate with two very distinct seasons. Summers (June–September) are hot and dry, with temperatures regularly reaching 30–35°C and high humidity near the coast. Light, quick-dry fabrics earn their place here. Winters (December–February) are mild and wet: daytime temperatures of 10–18°C with regular rain and the occasional cold snap. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions — warm days and cool evenings, light jacket territory.

What to Pack

Clothing: Pack for the season, but always bring one slightly smarter outfit — Beirut takes its restaurants seriously, and some venues have dress codes in the evening. In summer, three or four lightweight shirts, one or two pairs of linen or quick-dry trousers, and a pair of shorts cover almost everything. In winter, add a mid-layer fleece and a packable rain jacket.

For mosque visits or walks through more conservative neighborhoods, carry a lightweight scarf or long-sleeved layer you can pull on quickly. Women do not need to cover their hair in most public spaces in Beirut, but a scarf takes up almost no room and removes any uncertainty.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes handle the city's mix of smooth pavements, broken sidewalks, and stone steps in the old Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael districts. A pair of sandals or flip-flops work well for beach days.

Beach and Day Trips: If you plan to visit Byblos (45 minutes north by service taxi), Jounieh Bay, or the beach clubs along the Corniche, pack a compact beach towel and swimwear. Many beach clubs rent towels, but having your own saves the fee. A reusable bag handles any souvenir shopping at Byblos's harbour market.

Toiletries: Standard European liquids rules apply for most carriers flying into BEY. Keep all liquids under 100 ml in a single clear bag. High-SPF sunscreen (factor 30 or higher) is worth packing from home — quality sunscreen is available in Beirut's pharmacies but at significant cost.

Tech and Power: Pack a Type C power adapter. Voltage is 220V. Lebanon's power grid is intermittent in some areas — rolling blackouts of a few hours per day are common outside the major hotel areas — but most hotels and cafes run generators. A small power bank keeps your phone going through any gaps.

Cash: US dollars in small bills (ones, fives, tens) are the practical currency of Beirut street life. Bring enough for the first two days at minimum.

What to Skip

Heavy toiletry bottles: Beirut's pharmacies and supermarkets are well-stocked. Buy shampoo, body wash, and conditioner on arrival rather than taking up liquid allowance.

Formal clothes for every evening: Unless you have a specific black-tie event, one smart casual outfit covers all but the most upscale venues.

Excessive layers for winter: Even in January, Beirut rarely drops below 8°C. A good mid-layer and rain jacket outperform a heavy coat.

Bag Size Recommendation

For a week or less, a 40-litre carry-on (around 55×40×20 cm) comfortably holds everything you need. MEA is the national carrier and its 8 kg cabin bag limit is workable with careful packing — use a packing cube system to compress clothing. If flying Air Arabia or flydubai on a budget fare, double-check the size gauge: they measure seriously.

City-Specific Tips

Navigate by neighbourhood: Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are the bar and restaurant heartland — walkable from each other. Hamra is the university district with great street food. Downtown (Solidere) has the reconstructed historic core. Each has its own character and dress vibe.

Service taxis (servees): These shared taxis run fixed routes and charge a standard few thousand Lebanese pounds per trip. They are the cheapest and most authentic way to move around the city, but require knowing the destination in Arabic or via a map. Uber and Bolt also operate in Beirut and accept payment in dollars.

Bring a portable battery or charger: During rolling power cuts, cafes and restaurants run on generators, but charging points disappear. A power bank rated at 10,000 mAh or more qualifies as carry-on under all major airlines' lithium battery rules and keeps you covered throughout the day.